Rumors are ever-present this time of year as we inch closer to the NBA Draft. But could the Magic actually be looking to move up? What would it cost? Let's explore.
Draft experts say this is a 4 player draft. Those 4 players being Jalen Green, Jalen Suggs, Evan Mobley, and Cade Cunningham. Presumably, the Magic wouldn't be interested in a 7-footer who can protect the paint when they're already speculating on 2 youngsters who they hope can develop in that role (Carter/Bamba), the Magic need scoring, and the other 3 players can provide that with their tremendous skill sets. If the Magic can get to 3, they can guarantee they'll get one of them. For the Cavs it makes sense too. Every mock I've looked at in the last several weeks have the Cavs taking Mobley at 3. But if the Magic move up and don't take Mobley, there's a chance he'll still be there at 5. The question you have to ask yourself is: Is 5 and 8 enough or too much when trying to slide up two spots.
In some drafts of the past it would be foolish to give away that much equity to slide up two spots. In others its the difference between Trae Young, Luca Doncic, and Mo Bamba. (See 2018).
I don't think they should do it, but I'll be extremely excited if they do. Its a big bold move and I love big bold moves. So while I might not think this is the year for that type of transaction, I'm not the one scouting these guys day in and day out.
Here's what's being reported.
“League sources say the Cavaliers have received significant trade interest for this selection, and the [Toronto] Raptors and [Orlando] Magic—the next two teams up to pick—have made offers to move up,”wrote Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. “But Cleveland might just stay put. Some talent evaluators around the league consider [Evan] Mobley the best prospect in this class because of his versatility on both offense and defense. He can protect the rim, switch on to the perimeter, and serve as the lone big in a lineup. On offense, he can shoot, pass, and make plays off the bounce, making him an all-around smooth fit alongside Cleveland’s existing personnel. But really, Mobley can excel anywhere.
Read the full report from CavaliersNation.com.
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